From 2025, study visas and study preparation visas can be applied for online at most German consulates abroad. Further information on the new visa procedure can be found here.

A visa is a permit you need to get before entering a country for a specific reason, like studying or working.

A residence permit is like a visa, but you apply for it after entering the country where you want to stay.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on the country you are coming from, the purpose for which you are travelling and how long you will be staying.

In general, we advise everyone to check the current conditions on the "Visa Navigator" page of the German Foreign Office in good time before applying.

1. EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland

PLEASE NOTE: Swiss nationals must apply for a residence permit at the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA) within 3 months of entering Germany.

2. Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, San Marino, UK and USA

Within 3 months of entering Germany, you must apply for a residence permit to study at the Berlin Immigration Office (see page "During your studies"). You can use the Schengen Visa Calculator to calculate the remaining permitted days of stay in the Schengen area.

PLEASE NOTE:
Entering Germany without a visa may seem convenient at first glance, but it can take several months to get an appointment at the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA). We therefore advise you to apply for a study visa (D visa) at the nearest German consulate before you leave for Germany. Visas are generally issued for one year.

These are the advantages of entering Germany with a study visa:

• You do not have to return home after the 90-day visa-free period if you have not been given an appointment at the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA).
• You can travel within the Schengen area without any problems until your visa expires.
• You can start a part-time job immediately.

Please note the following information:

• There is no conditional admission to UdK Berlin. Artistic talent is decisive for admission and this can only be checked by the admissions committee during the regular application procedure.
• Please do not apply for a tourist visa! If you have to travel to Germany for the entrance examination, we recommend that you apply for the so-called "Studienbewerbervisum" (prospective student visa). This allows you to apply for a residence permit for study purposes after you have been admitted.
• If you would like to attend a language course or a Studienkolleg before your studies, you must apply for a "study preparation visa". You can change this visa into a residence permit for study purposes at the Berlin Immigration Office before the start of your studies at UdK Berlin.
• Check the requirements for a D visa at the German consulate of your place of residence. If you come from Colombia, for example, and are studying in Italy, you will need to contact the nearest German consulate in Italy.
• NEW! From 2025, study visas and study preparation visas can be applied for online at most German consulates abroad. Further information on the new visa procedure can be found here.

If you come from one of these countries and have already studied there, a special visa procedure applies to you. In any case, please contact the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), which is affiliated with the German Embassy, well in advance of your application. Detailed information and forms can be found on their website.

The following video "Tips for international students" from Deutsches Studierendenwerk is helpful in preparing for your studies. Please note that in Berlin self-employed activities are also permitted without prior authorisation from the Berlin Immigration Office (contrary to the information in the video).

You can contact International Student Services with your questions.